Woman dies in Brick house fire

A 66-year-old woman, Grace Merkel, died in a fire at this home on Dock Road Brick early Saturday. Above, relatives of Merkel wait to talk to investigators outside the wreckage of the home.
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BRICK – Authorities are investigating a fire at a Dock Road home where a 66-year-old woman was found dead early this morning, according to an Ocean County Prosecutor's Office spokesman.

Shortly after 3:30 a.m., Brick firefighters responded to a report of a fire with entrapment at the 74 Dock Road home, according to Al Della Fave, the spokesman.

After putting out the fire, responders found the home's only occupant — Grace Merkel — dead inside, according to Della Fave. The fire is not considered suspicious.

On Saturday afternoon, a large group of family members gathered on the narrow residential street outside the house as investigators combed through the debris of the single-story structure.

A short time later, Detective Mitch Remig, an investigator with the Prosecutor's Office, gathered the family on the front lawn to provide them with an update on the investigation.

The family did not wish to speak to reporters.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, Ocean County Sheriff's Department, Brick Police Department and Brick Fire Prevention Bureau are working cooperatively on the ongoing investigation into the origin and cause of the fire, as well as Merkel's death, according to Della Fave.